Apple Rumored to be Opening R&D Center in Shanghai Summer 2013

Rumor has it that Apple is about to announce a research and development center will be opening in China later this year. The large three-building campus is said to be located in the Pudong area of Shanghai.

Citing people familiar with the project, CNET China (via global news service BrightWire) reports that the facility will consist of three six-story buildings built in a Baroque style with a total area covering over 100,000 square feet. The news comes just days after a similar report claimed Apple would be opening both an R&D center and a data center in Beijing.

CNET’s sources claim Apple began laying out plans for the center six or seven years ago, and plans to take up residence this summer. While construction of the exterior is said to be complete, the interior is as yet unfinished. Upon completion of the project, Apple is expected to pay an annual rent of over 50 million yuan, or over $8 million.

This report follows a another earlier this week that said Apple has been planning the opening of an research and development center in Beijing.